Published February 13, 2017 at 6:54 PM Updated February 13, 2017 at 8:43 PM

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is a man on a mission, searching for common ground with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trade, economy a focus as US President hosts Canadian PM

Trade, economy a focus as US President hosts Canadian PM

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is a man on a mission, searching for common ground with the new leader of his Southern neighbor, U.S. President Donald Trump. CGTN's Jessica Stone reports.

CGTN’s Jessica Stone reports.

A comprehensive trading relationship is on the line. More than $2 billion in goods cross the U.S. Canadian border each day.

Trump has vowed to rip up the North American Free Trade Agreement among the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Canadian officials have already warned Washington that Ottawa opposes any new border taxes on imports.

Monday, Trump clarified he sees the trade problems greater with Mexico than with Canada.

“We will be tweaking it. We’ll be doing certain things that are gonna benefit both of our countries. It’s a much less severe situation than what’s taking place on the Southern border,” said Trump.

“Much of our economy depends on good working relationship with the United States, good integration with the American economy, and the fact is millions of good jobs on both sides of the border depend on the smooth and easy flow of goods and services and people back and forth of our border,” said Trudeau.

Trudeau and Trump pledged to build the Keystone XL oil pipeline project, connecting their nations, to coordinate on cyber security and on easing cargo crossing along their border.

However, they differ widely on refugee policy.

While Trump has ordered a permanent travel ban on Syrian refugees, Trudeau has personally opened his arms wide to these and other refugee groups. He suggested it’s possible without sacrificing national security.

Trudeau announced only one new joint effort, a council for women business leaders that ranges from the women leading the steel and auto sectors, to Tina Lee, the CEO of the largest Asian grocery store chain in Canada.

Diane Francis on US-Canadian trade ties

To discuss the successes and failures of trade between the U.S. and Canada, CGTN’s Rachelle Akuffo spoke with Diane Francis, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center and editor-at-large for the National Post.

Pierre Martin discusses PM Trudeau’s meeting with Trump

For more on the visit to the U.S. by the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, CGTN’s Mike Walter spoke to Pierre Martin, a professor of political science at the university of Montreal.

Pierre Martin discusses PM Trudeau's meeting with Trump

Pierre Martin discusses PM Trudeau's meeting with Trump

For more on the visit to the U.S. by the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, CGTN's Mike Walter spoke to Pierre Martin, a professor of political science at the university of Montreal.